Types Of Acne And How You Can Treat Them

Not all acne is the same, some come from bacteria, while others may be caused by infected pores or are whiteheads caused by clogged pores. If you have acne, the way you are treating it may not be working because of the type of acne you have. If you have acne and you aren't able to get rid of it, getting to the dermatologist for an exam and for treatment of your acne is the best thing you can do. Read on for a few different types of acne and what you can do to treat them.

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is caused by an increase in hormone production. It may also accompany mood swings and other hormonal issues. If you menstruate, you may experience hormonal acne when your hormone production is highest. If you have hormonal swings during menopause, you may also experience hormonal acne. Hormonal acne can be treated with medication such as birth control pills or hormone replacement medication.

Bacterial Acne

Bacterial acne may be caused by bacteria on the skin. This bacteria can infect your pores and lead to acne. Bacterial acne can usually be cleared up with an antibiotic cream that is applied to your acne. Sometimes an antibiotic medication may also be used to treat bacterial acne as well. Be sure you are also cleaning your skin daily and you keep your hands off of your face, as this is how bacteria can spread to your face.

Infected Pores

Pores that get infected can also lead to acne. This type of acne can be caused by pores that are clogged with dead skin cells, or from oils that clog your pores and become infected. Infected pores may appear as large pimples that may be painful to the touch and feel like a bruise. You may have pus in the large pimples, or they may not have anything come out at all. These infected areas can usually be cleared up by cleaning your skin thoroughly with a cleanser that contains micro-beads to clean your pores every morning and night, then applying a thin layer of moisturizer to help prevent dry skin.

If you have acne and you are having trouble trying to clear it up on your own, you may be using the wrong technique for the type of acne you have. Make an appointment with a dermatologist's office, like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, for more information on your treatment options.